Human Rights activist and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Comrade Deji Adeyanju has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the suspension of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) in light of the prevalent hunger, hardships, and food insecurity plaguing the nation.
Reacting to the nationwide protest on Thursday in Abuja, Adeyanju said, recent development in Niger, Kano, and Kogi have underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action to be taken by the President.
He said: “It is imperative to recognise that Nigeria is currently sitting on a time bomb of hardships, banditry, insecurity, and kidnapping.
“The cumulative effect of these challenges has pushed our nation to the brink. If urgent measures are not taken to cushion the effects of this hardship, we fear that mass protests may erupt across the country, potentially leading to a serious revolution.
“We must acknowledge that there is a limit to what the people can endure. If President Tinubu genuinely cares about the well-being of the citizens and seeks to alleviate their suffering, it is important that he reinstates the suspended programmes that can provide much-needed support to ordinary citizens and the vulnerable.
While we acknowledge that the suspension of all administered programmes by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) was initiated as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged financial malfeasance by Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NSIPA, we urge President Tinubu to recognise the dire consequences of the continued suspension on the lives of ordinary citizens.”
Adeyanju further empathised that President Tinubu’s concerns regarding operational lapses and improprieties surrounding payments to the program beneficiaries are valid.
However, the Human rights activist proposes that the President explore alternative avenues for the management of these programs, such as involving religious bodies, including churches, mosques, and traditional rulers.
By doing so, Adeyanju said the government can mitigate the risk of political interference and ensure that funds are utilised transparently and efficiently, reaching the intended beneficiaries.
Recall that President Tinubu had suspended all administered programmes by the national social investment programme agency (NSIPA) over alleged financial malfeasance by Halima Shehu, the chief executive officer (CEO) of NSIPA.
All four (4) suspended Programmes administered by NSIPA are N- Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme and Home Grown School Feeding Programme.
